Infection Control

We have strict infection control guidelines in place and meet the NHS and national guidance.

Annual Infection Control Statement

Purpose

The ‘code of practice’ within ‘The Health and Social Care Act 2008’ sets out ten criteria that demonstrate how well we comply with requirements relating to infection prevention and control within our GP practice.

An infection control statement will be generated annually to summarise:

  • Reviews of infection prevention and control policies in order to update according to local and national guidelines
  • Details of infection prevention audits, risk assessments and actions implemented as a result.
  • Details of staff training in relation to infection prevention and control
  • Any incidents that have occurred in relation to infection transmission, lessons learned and action taken.
  • Any issues that may challenge infection prevention and control
  • Pledges in regard to antibiotic guardianship and actions taken to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
  • Information regarding infection prevention and control for our service users

Infection Control Leads

The infection prevention and control leads aim to create and improve the safety of our patients and staff by ensuring that infection control policies are converted in to practice.

Named GP Lead: Dr A. Sewell

Infection Control Champion: H. Shepherd, Lead Practice Nurse

Their role is to:

  • Act as a link between the surgery and local infection prevention and control team
  • Act as a role model
  • Assist with the education of staff and patients
  • Ensure that infection prevention and control audits are completed
  • Raise awareness of infection prevention and control issues
  • Challenge poor practice and empower others to provide care safely.

Oldwood Surgery & Battle Health Centre Policies, protocols and guidelines

The following policies have been reviewed

  • Hand hygiene
  • Use of PPE
  • Management of spillages
  • Prevention and management of sharps injuries
  • Waste and decontamination of equipment
  • Legionella

Audits

An annual infection control audit, waste audit, hand-washing audit, cleaning audit and minor surgery audit have been completed. Findings and actions discussed at practice meetings and via email.

Environmental issues

  • General ‘de-cluttering’ has taken place at both sites
  • Robertsbridge site painted and minor repairs completed.
  • Sluice at BHC has been repaired
  • New spill kits purchased
  • Carpeted communal areas at both sites and fabric chair covering at BHC – discussed- to be actioned
  • Legionella inspection completed and water temp. monitoring actioned

Cleaning

  • Top shelves and curtain rails dusty – steps for cleaner so she can access safely
  • Appropriate disposable cleaning materials purchased for segregating clean and dirty areas
  • Cleaner has confirmed monthly ‘deep cleans’
  • Communication book for cleaner and practice staff
  • Spot checks are carried out to be formally documented
  • Equipment cleaning carried out to be formally documented

Waste management

  • Inappropriate items in sharps bins – staff education, posters and spot checks on going
  • Communication with waste company regarding sharps bin delivery and unlocked clinical waste bin at RB
  • Padlock purchased for Battle site
  • External audit pending – delayed due to Covid-19 Staff training and patient information
  • Infection prevention and control workbooks have been purchased
  • Cleaner has completed infection control workbook
  • Infection prevention, control and hand washing annual update/training on blue stream – monitored by C. Crane, reminder sent to staff who are not up to date. Annual Sepsis training to be reviewed.
  • Infection Control Champion has attended regular updates and fed back to colleagues.
  • Website updated to include self care advice and link to antibiotic guardians

Isolation facilities

  • Practicalities discussed – Robertsbridge- agreed home visit or ask to wait in the car. Battle – place chair in corridor by side entrance. Incidents There have been no significant incidents in relation to infection prevention and control.

Challenges

  • We have been challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic and have adjusted our working practices in line with national and local guidelines and standard operating procedures for GP practices (NHS England).
  • We are discussing how to structure clinics going forward in order to protect patients and staff, as we are asked to reintroduce ‘routine’ procedures.
  • We will continue to stagger appointment times, minimising the risk to ‘high risk ‘ patients, allowing time for thorough cleaning of the treatment area and donning and doffing of appropriate PPE.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

  • We are within targets for antibiotic prescribing set by local medicine management team
  • We have sought expert advice from microbiologist when required Written by Heather Shepherd, Lead Practice Nurse April 2020

Written by Heather Shepherd, Lead Practice Nurse, April 2020

Date published: 12th May, 2020
Date last updated: 30th November, 2023